News in brief

Israel announced plans yesterday to build 1,300 more apartments in east Jerusalem, angering Palestinians, who accused it of sabotaging peace efforts. The announcement by Israel's interior ministry brought to more than 3,000 the number of homes Israel has approved for construction on land that Palestinians want for a state since the renewal of the US-supported peace talks late last year. Israel said most of the building is on land that the state has already annexed. But Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said the plan reveals the Israeli government's intention to destroy peace". Associated Press in Jerusalem